Adam Thielen is out for TNF vs. Steelers in Week 14

Wednesday update: Thielen is officially out with his ankle injury for Week 14. K.J. Osborn should see his snaps and be worth a fantasy spot against the Steelers.

The Minnesota Vikings are going to have to find a way to make up for Adam Thielen’s production, as the wide receiver did not practice Tuesday due to a high-ankle sprain. He is trending towards missing Thursday’s Week 14 game against the Steelers. Thielen’s numbers this season haven’t been great but he remains a scoring threat with 10 touchdowns in 12 contests.

Fantasy football implications

If Thielen cannot go, KJ Osborn joins Justin Jefferson as Kirk Cousins’ primary pass catchers. Tight end Tyler Conklin would also get a boost, especially with Pittsburgh’s pass rush likely forcing the Vikings to favor shorter throws. RB Alexander Mattison was effective in the receiving game in Week 13, so he’s also going to see an uptick in targets. Jefferson was already a starter in most fantasy leagues, while Osborn could get some play as a flex with Thielen out. Conklin is a tight end streaming option at this point, and Mattison should continue to start at RB for managers with Dalvin Cook sidelined.